Nemanoxer

:eek:

I am feeling the first major thumbs down for NCL here, compared to Costa (and of course compared to Celebrity and Cunard).

By the way, I was really surprised about my trip on Costa Diadema. Without the very... very... very alive Italians around me, the ship would have been a blast in regards to service and flexiblity. Oh well, the food. Let´s not talk about their food... That should be much better on NCL.

I think I will have to learn some things before I start the trip with NCL.

Just a question from someone who never ever thought about bringing his own food or beverages on board of a cruise ship:

I would like to understand the "ado" about this issue. Is bringing soda on board of a cruise ship something essential maybe especially for passengers from the US / the Americas?

This question is 100 % serious, no joking or teasing. Why would I bring my own beverages onto a cruise ship?

Why can´t boards and board members here in Germany be like here on CC.com...

Thank you all for quick, effective and obviously passionate replies :)

Hi everybody.

September 18th will be my first ever day on an NCL ship (Getaway). Gotta say that I am looking forward very much to how NCL compares to those socalled "premium lines" that I´ve tried before. Especially looking forward to what "Freestyle Cruising" will be to me.

However, I have just taken a closer look into my booking online, also checking out "Explore & Plan". And now I am somewhat confused. As I can see, one can pre-book a lot of or all those surcharged restaurants and events with an exact date and time online. That leads me as a NCL newbie to my first two questions:

1. Do I really have to pre-book these things on NCL Getaway? Can´t I just wake up on board in the morning and feel like I want to do that kind of stuff in the evening? Or is it all possible on board and spontaneously, but pre-bookings bring some kind of advantages?

2. Pre-booked dinings include that 18 % gratuity. Does that mean that I am saving money / saving gratuities if I pre-book those things?

Looking for help and understanding for a NCL first timer, please :confused: